Sri Lanka Police have expanded operations of the Police Marine Division following an increase in water-related accidents.
Police said 71 lifesaving units have been established nationwide, with 308 specially trained officers deployed across 31 of the island’s 48 police divisions, focusing on high-risk coastal and inland areas.
Authorities reported rescuing 151 local and 96 foreign tourists in 2025. In the first one-and-a-half months of 2026, 33 more people have been saved. Police recorded 595 water-related deaths in 2024, and despite these efforts, 388 water-related deaths were recorded in 2025 and 24 so far this year.
Police urged the public to follow safety guidelines, seek assistance from lifeguards and avoid unsafe waters. (NewsWire)
